It's Al Biehler's World, We're Just Living In It.

PennDOT Chieftain Al Biehler ...... is the new chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the agency just announced in a press release that reads like it was written through gritted teeth.

Biehler replaces Mitchell Rubin, who was given the boot by Gov. Ed after his name arose in connection with ex-Sen. Vince Fumo's federal corruption case. Rubin, we should add, has not been accused of anything, nor charged.

Here's part of the official statement from the PTC:

"Biehler said as chairman, he will continue to improve transparency in how
toll income is used to operate and improve the Pennsylvania
Turnpike system.

"Pennsylvanians today expect more openness from
government than ever before," Biehler said. "This fiscal year alone, the
turnpike is on track to spend $386 million on roadway projects as part of
acapital-improvement plan, and we owe it to toll-paying motorists
to clearly explain how we're spending their money."

If you're looking for a reason why we find this so hilarious, it's because the PTC, like the Liquor Control Board and PHEAA, is supposed to be one of those "independent" agencies that, just like Alex Rodriguez, is part of the state government team, but is also weirdly separate from it.

Biehler's appointment means that the Rendellies now have one of their own riding herd over the famously patronage-ridden agency. We'll be curious to see how they decide to exert their new level of control. We're also anxiously awaiting the press releases announcing that Biehler's been named head of SEPTA and the Pittsburgh Port Authority.